2022 Domaine de la Beche - Regnie

Domaine de la Bêche was founded in 1848 by Henri Depardon in the village of Villié-Morgon, and the estate has passed from father to son for seven generations since. Olivier Depardon has led the domaine since 1985, growing it alongside his wife Ghislaine and, more recently, welcoming his own children, Alexis and Caroline, into the business. Rather than focusing on a single cru, the family farms parcels across Morgon, Régnié, and Beaujolais-Villages, treating each appellation as its own distinct expression of Gamay rather than variations on a single house style.

For this Régnié, the grapes are destemmed before fermentation, a technique that softens the wine's structure compared to the whole-cluster methods used elsewhere in Beaujolais, then aged for around eight months in stainless steel tank to preserve the fruit's natural vibrancy. The approach favors purity and immediacy over heavier extraction, letting the Régnié appellation's lighter, more floral character come through clearly.

The wine shows a deep, bright-rimmed red color with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and baking spice, joined by darker black fruit and cinnamon notes. The palate is juicy and seamless, with strawberry and raspberry flavors turning slightly darker on the back half, finishing long and subtly spicy with a whisper of candied flowers. Pair it with roast chicken, charcuterie, or a fresh chèvre.